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Maurkice Pouncey could move to guard

If you put any stock in fan voting for the Pro Bowl (be careful), Maurkice Pouncey is the best center in the AFC.

But he might be starting at guard for the Steelers this weekend, because of all their injuries on the offensive line.

“Whatever is best for the team,” Pouncey said, via Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Pouncey’s move is pending the condition of left guard Willie Colon, who didn’t practice Wednesday with a sore knee. Coupled with Mike Adams and Marcus Gilbert, it’s a group as banged up as the quarterbacks they protect.

If he does slide outside, Doug Legursky would snap, after starting at guard last week. But Legursky admits he’s better in the middle.

“I think it is no secret around the league or around this locker room that I am a better center than I am a guard,” Legursky said. “I know personally that I am more natural there.”

But Pouncey hasn’t played guard since his freshman year in college, when he had 11 starts before moving to center for his final two years in school.

“I think he would be very efficient at left guard if he is plugged in,” right guard Ramon Foster said. “What is going to be the toughest adjustment for him is using his hands and how to set guys. At guard, you have more one-on-ones and are by yourself. It will be something he will have to get used to.”

Coupled with rookie Kelvin Beachum at right tackle, and they have the potential for three different starters from a week ago, which may be enough to keep quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the sidelines until he’s fully healed.